Starting to run...

rissadiane
rissadiane Posts: 355 Member
edited September 26 in Fitness and Exercise
So I really want to learn how to run. Well, I guess train to run. I think it's one of the best forms of exercise, and it seems like runners have such great bodies that I am so envious of (am I weird?!). If you're a runner, how did you start? Do you have any suggestions, tips, or hints? Thanks!
:flowerforyou:

Replies

  • Pebble321
    Pebble321 Posts: 6,423 Member
    I'm not sure if I can call myself a runner yet, but I'm on my way.... I can run 25 mins or so (slowly) without stopping, after a few months training.
    I highly recommend the Couch to 5k program (C25K) - it steps you through a week by week program to build up your running endurance.
    Google "cool runnings c25k" and you can read all about it.
  • rissadiane
    rissadiane Posts: 355 Member
    Thanks! I've been working on it, and I was up to 2 mins 30 seconds of "running" at a time without wanting to die... then I caught a flu and didn't get back into it. I will google that. I was doing something similar on nike.com with my Nike+ thing with my ipod
  • niclagi
    niclagi Posts: 177 Member
    I'll have to check into the C25k
  • claireM74
    claireM74 Posts: 10
    I started running 2 years ago and now I'm hooked (and 10kg lighter!). Start slowly, run-walk intervals. I did run 1 min, walk 2 mins for 20 mins total and gradually cut down on the walking in built up the running until I was running the whole 20 mins, took me about 5 weeks to get there! I always set myself goals to stay motivated, races, or new didtances/times. I'd certainly recommend getting good running shoes, it's expensive, but totally worth it to avoid injuries/back problems etc. Go to a running shop if you can and have a gait analysis. Also (for the ladies) invest in getting a good sports bra, also fitted. Shock Absorber are by far the best, a lot of sport bras are only really good for smaller sizes or gentle workouts like Yoga. Enjoy - and welcome to running!!!
  • snkeller24
    snkeller24 Posts: 459
    Look for any of the podcasts that deal with interval training. I'm up to a 45 minute jog at about 5-5.2 mph. Basically they have you jog for 1 minute and recover for 2 for a certain total time. Each week, or when ready, you jog more and recover less.

    I played sports in high school and hated running laps/sprints/whatever. Now I love going for jogs - I take my time and do it at my pace. Listen to your body - if you feel like you can go a little faster, or a little longer, go for it!

    Running is in your head. Don't tell yourself that you can't. Listen to good music, watch the news, anything to take your mind off it and break through that wall of you body saying "no". Just keep at it!
  • claireM74
    claireM74 Posts: 10
    Oh, also, very important, walk for at least 5 mins 1st to warm up, and 5 mins at the end to cool down and do 5-10 ins of a stretching program, focus on gluteals (butt), hamstrings and quads (front and back of thigh) and calves + lower calf (soleus).
  • looby1968
    looby1968 Posts: 742 Member
    C25K has been my choice of training. I will do a charity 5k in June and am hoping to run the entire race.

    I started training at the end of Feb and should've been finished by this weekend but have had some bad weeks. I'm going to keep at it and repeat some weeks, then work on my distance and pace.

    LouiseXXX
  • hush7hush
    hush7hush Posts: 2,273 Member
    I also want to start running.
    Let's train together! :)
  • MissbusyLizzie
    MissbusyLizzie Posts: 326 Member
    BUMP!
  • rissadiane
    rissadiane Posts: 355 Member
    I also want to start running.
    Let's train together! :)

    Yes! Awesome :)
  • rissadiane
    rissadiane Posts: 355 Member
    Oh, also, very important, walk for at least 5 mins 1st to warm up, and 5 mins at the end to cool down and do 5-10 ins of a stretching program, focus on gluteals (butt), hamstrings and quads (front and back of thigh) and calves + lower calf (soleus).

    Thank you for your help! Is there a particular brand of shoes you like?
  • bigmamma3
    bigmamma3 Posts: 134
    i also want to run just got to get oh to watch the kids while i do it.
  • rissadiane
    rissadiane Posts: 355 Member
    I think it's just frustrating because I see all these people doing it, and I want to so bad. Ugh. I know it takes time and training but I wish I could just jump up off the couch and run a marathon. In due time I suppose.
  • claireM74
    claireM74 Posts: 10
    I wear Asics. They're mid-price range for running shoes, and seem to be the preferred choice (along with New Balance) at my running club. They usually come top in running magazine trials too!!
  • rissadiane
    rissadiane Posts: 355 Member
    Thanks! I'll look into them. I have a pair of Nikes now, but they're starting to get worn
  • snkeller24
    snkeller24 Posts: 459
    I usually run in Nike Peagus's ... or my reezigs. I prefer a stable lighter shoe. Go and try them on - talk to the people at the store. I know we have a store that has an indoor track where you can take a lap and see how you feel. It will take a few times to get used to it but make sure they fit properly!
  • chrisallcock
    chrisallcock Posts: 173
    interval training all the way for me...the weight drops off
  • hush7hush
    hush7hush Posts: 2,273 Member
    ****, I'm running in skateboarding shoes.

    I should probably get some new ones. :D
  • rissadiane
    rissadiane Posts: 355 Member
    I'm so excited to start! Thanks for all your help!
  • BerryH
    BerryH Posts: 4,698 Member
    I absolutely agree with the advice above.

    Though you don't need then for your first few outings, do get good shoes fitted at a specialist shop, and a high-impact sports bra.

    Use a walk/run programme like C25K. Don't just go as far as you can then stop, do planned short runs, walk until recovered and run again. Try to make your total session 30 minutes, even if most of it is walking to start with.

    If it feels hard and you quickly get out of breath, go slower. Still hard? Go even slower! The pace will come with time, I promise.

    Good luck!
  • revjames
    revjames Posts: 75 Member
    I found that controlling breathing was very important - breathe in 4 steps - breathe out 4 steps (or however many suits you) otherwise breathing gets faster and faster until you have to stop. Quite basic really and the reason for many years why I could not run. 3 years ago I could run for an hr at 12 kmh now after a long break I am back and trying to get back to previous form. As others have said music is good - listen to the music and forget how many minutes are on the display and you will soon get there!
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